Visiting New York on a Budget: The Best & Cheap Things To See and Do in New York

Last Updated on May 2, 2022 by Cody Livingston

People have a misconception that visiting New York or seeing its grandest attractions can cost a huge amount of money – whether it is the Empire State Building, the Firck or even the Guggenheim and the Whitney. Well, we are here to remove that discouragement that there are places you can visit that will not cost you a dime and there are many things you can see, do, and experience free. So, if you had almost booked flights to New York and didn’t complete your booking, you might reconsider visiting that travel site again and prepare yourself for a lifetime of fun in the Big Apple.

1- Tours of Brooklyn Brewery

If you are doing nothing on a weekend in New York, you might want to get an insight into Brooklyn’s Breweries. During Saturdays and Sundays, 1-5pm, there are organised tours that educate you with interesting facts. The tour consists of presentations of the past when New York was flourishing with beer manufacture and trade. Admire the facilities that help in creating the beers and enjoy tasting different flavours.

2. Explore the Central Park

New York Central Park needs no introduction. You might have seen its impressive, rectangular shape in the photographs. It’s a different thing to actually explore the length and breadth of the park. Enjoy a free visit to this mini-forest located right in the center of Gotham City. The CP is filled with people, statues, artistic mosaics, free events, a pond, and many benches to relax.

3. Visit the City Hall

A sanctuary of New York’s government since the 1800s, the City Hall is one of the oldest buildings in America. Facing the Brooklyn Bridge, it is still serving the purpose for which it was built. Tours will take you to the majestic governor’s room, the marble hall, and the area where Abraham Lincoln’s coffin lay. We recommend you to reserve your spot beforehand.

4. Galleries of Chelsa

Located in the 20s street between the 10th and 11 avenues, the Chelsea Galleries are New York’s busiest areas. All the galleries offer free entry. You can purchase food products, fresh cheese, French and Italian Wine, books, souvenirs and much more. The shop for wine and cheese has special opening times, make sure you check the listings and time your visit likewise.

5. The Federal Hall

The Federal Hall has played an important part in framing the political seat of the USA. Two presidents took oaths during the inauguration ceremony in NYC – George Washington and Chester A. Arthur. The building is graced with a magnificent statue, overlooking the city’s stock exchange building.

6. The Governor’s Island

Got $2 in your pocket? Well, it’s time to enjoy an island tour on a ferry from Battery Maritime Building. Yes, a tour to the Governor’s Island might not cost you much, but reaching the 175-acre island is free from May through September. There’s a 3-mile bike trail, a picnic area, mini golf and army sites. Do not forget to visit the ghost town at Nolan Park. If you are not suffering from jet lag, you could probably experience this right after disembarking your New York flight at the airport.

7. African Burial Ground

It’s fascinating and controversial! The African Burial Ground has stories that will leave you spellbound. More than 300 caskets were found, while a construction project uncovered the hidden facts. Now, new buildings cover a part of the site and the locals do a wonderful job of narrating such intriguing stories to the visitors.

8. Green-Wood Cemetery

The Green-Wood Cemetery is America’s one of the most visited tourist attractions located near the Niagara Falls. Founded in the 1800s, it is the eternal home to more than 500,000 people. The area around the Cemetery is lush and leafy. Admire the lovely green parrots and a seven-foot statue of the Roman goddess – Minerva.

9. The High Line

With its broad opening hours, the High Line might seem to be a public park. However, an elevated railroad track suspended 40 feet in the air is a remarkable sight. The path joins the Chelsea Galleries with the Meatpacking District, finally ending at the Javits Center. Those who have walked the trail will not stop praising the captivating views of the Hudson River and the world passing by

10. National Museum of the American Indian

Do you remember watching – The Night at the Museum? You can easily familiarize with this enormous museum if you do not miss it while visiting the Statue of Liberty. Located in the American Customs House, the National Museum holds one of the finest collections of Native American Art.

New York is not very expensive. One should know where to search for the best-hidden secrets even before securing London to New York flights. Doesn’t matter where you are flying from – Heathrow to New York, London to New York or Manchester to New York, the best time to visit New York City is from April to June and September to early November when the weather is mild and pleasant. Hence, book cheap flights to New York 5-6 months in advance and enjoy a trip of a lifetime.